We Energies has announced that it plans to extend the operating lives of units 7 and 8 at the Oak Creek Power Plant, and expects to have the units available to meet high energy demand periods to the end of 2026. The plant was scheduled to retire at the end of 2025.
The decision to postpone the retirement dates for these units is based on two critical factors: tightened energy supply requirements in the Midwest power market and the need to provide ‘safe, reliable and affordable energy’ especially on the hottest and coldest days of the year.
Mike Hooper, president of We Energies commented: “Just this month, National Grid experts raised the alarm of elevated risks of power supply shortages and price spikes due to plant closures and increasing energy demand in the Upper Midwest. We will continue to evaluate the future of the plant based on capacity needs, available generation and what is financially prudent.”
Oak Creek power station is a base-load, coal- and natural gas-fired plant located on Lake Michigan in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. The primary fuel is sub bituminous coal. Units 7 and 8 were built and placed into service in the 1960s. They are equipped with modern environmental controls and have a total capacity of 610 MW. (MW).
We Energies is actively planning, permitting or constructing more than 6300 MW of new generation, including natural gas, wind, solar and battery storage over the next five years. The life extension of the Oak Creek units is not expected to delay these projects.
